Fantasy Tip: Pettine has installed Josh McCown as the starter entering training camp, and Manziel will have to earn the spot back. McCown obviously isn't the answer at 35, so the potential for Manziel is still there. At this rate, McCown is a low-end QB2, and Manziel shouldn't be drafted.

Former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was let go by head coach Mike Pettine because Pettine did not want someone on his staff that did not want to be there. "It was something that we didn't want to drag out,'' said Pettine. "It's just very hard to win in the NFL (even) when everybody's into it and they truly want to be there, and again if you have somebody that just doesn't want to be there, I know it's easy to say, 'Hey he's under contract, hold him to it,' (but now) there's a dark cloud over your coaching offices and I've been a part of that."

The Cleveland Browns have made it known that they want CB Buster Skrine, who is an unrestricted free agent at season's end, back on the roster next season. Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil has said he wants Skrine to return, and head coach Mike Pettine has said "just everything from Buster from A to Z is a guy that you want on your football team."

Cleveland Browns PK Billy Cundiff missed a field goal Sunday, Dec. 7, in a 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and that means the Browns might look for another kicker to finish out the season. "It's obviously concerning," said Browns head coach Mike Pettine. "We get field goal attempts, we get a chance to put points on the board against a good team and you've got to be able to convert."

Fantasy Tip: If you have other options, take advantage of them and either stash Cundiff on the bench or release him outright. The Browns have a shot at a postseason spot, and they are not likely to place faith in a kicker that misses key opportunities.

Fantasy Tip: Manziel would provide more upside with his ability to run and could be worth a start if reasonably priced on FantasyScore. Hoyer is probably worth staying away from at this point, however.

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel will not see his playing time changed because of an off the field altercation, according to head coach Mike Pettine. "Unless something unforeseen comes up, just given what I know, it would not have an impact on any decision to play him," Pettine said.

Cleveland Browns CB Joe Haden needs make more big plays, according to head coach Mike Pettine. "He's played well at times, but as you can see, at some inopportune times he's not played well,'' said Pettine. "I think he'll admit that, as well. That's what we talk about. The great ones are going to make big plays when it's needed, and I think that's one area where Joe will look to improve."

Cleveland Browns rookie QB Johnny Manziel could see some action in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it will come down to a "feel thing" per the coaching staff. Head coach Mike Pettine said Manziel has a package of plays specific for him and Manziel has prepared this week to play. Pettine said Manziel and QB Brian Hoyer will not be alternating series.

Fantasy Tip: Even at $4,500 in FantasyScore, Manziel should not be a consideration when building out your fantasy football team for Week 1. Hoyer, at $5,000 salary, isn't a better option, either. Stay away from this situation until it plays out and gives you plenty of reasons to consider it.

Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel could see snaps in the team's Week 1 game if it feels like the right thing to do, according to head coach Mike Pettine. Pettine and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan have discussed the possibility. "Kyle and I have talked about it. It's a possibility. We have a package of plays for him. It won't be alternating series, it'll be a 'feel' thing," Pettine said.

The Cleveland Browns hope to announce their starting quarterback on Tuesday, Aug. 19. "Something unforeseen could come up, but we're hopeful," coach Mike Pettine said. "I want to see if I can cut the quarterback questions down by about 90 percent. The chemistry, the continuity, I think that's important to establish that."

Fantasy Tip: The competition between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel is close, and the preseason game Monday could go a long way in deciding who the ultimate winner is. Both quarterbacks should be considered low-end backup options for fantasy football purposes.

Fantasy Tip: While it is not a surprise to see Hoyer at the top of the depth chart, it is still very early in the preseason. Hoyer is still the likely favorite to win the job with Manziel needing to do a lot to close the gap.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said he doesn't want the offense to be ground-and-pound, adding that he wants to score points. Pettine added that he'd like the offense to call in plays faster to get into more of an offensive rhythm.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said the team is not going to let jersey sales dictate their depth chart, although he is not opposed to playing QB Johnny Manziel if he can help the team have some success.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said QB Johnny Manziel looked inconsistent in practice Wednesday, May 21. "I just think just like any other rookie that he's inconsistent," Browns coach Mike Pettine said after the second day of the entire team being on the practice field. "I think a lot of it is the mental part of it. [Manziel] is more worrying about getting the formation right, making sure the motion's correct. Then he's got the cadence, and then he's got to worry about where guys are.
"Being good mechanically takes a backseat to learning the system first."

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said it would be very difficult for any quarterback from the 2014 NFL Draft class to unseat QB Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback. "There will be competition, but I think it will be very difficult, based on my evaluation of this year's draft class, it will be very difficult for anyone in this draft class to come in and beat [Hoyer] out. I really believe that," Pettine said. "There's that certain it factor he has. Just the way he's attacked his rehab, the way he's attacked learning a new offense."

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said he would like to avoid starting a rookie quarterback immediately, even if the club selects a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in the first round.

Fantasy Tip: This news makes it likely that Brian Hoyer will enter Week 1 as the starter, especially since he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery. Perhaps Cleveland will wait until later in the draft to take a QB if they plan on him sitting a year to learn.

Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer said he believes he is on the same page with head coach Mike Pettine in terms of what they are looking for in players. "My philosophy is the same as Mike's. I think we're in lockstep. We think the same things are important: toughness, instincts, competitiveness that's off the charts. He added in passion, relentlessness, productivity. We'll build a team that's reflective of both of our characters," Farmer said.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine praised QB Brian Hoyer, saying he has the "it" factor. "Certain QBs, you look for an 'it factor.' You might not be able to describe what 'it' is, but he has 'it,'" Pettine Said.

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said he never gave the team an ultimatum and only expressed frustration with his agent about the length of the process. "Not at any point did I say you need to tell me or I'm pulling out," Pettine said.

The Cleveland Browns are expected to make an offer to Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine for their head coaching position, according to multiple league sources. If Pettine's third interview with the Browns goes well Thursday, Jan. 23, Cleveland is expected to go ahead with their plans to hire him. Both sides are reportedly highly motivated to get a deal done.